Getting The Tools For Do-It-Yourself Car Repair
by: Terry Bolton
It's great to be able to do as many things as possible by yourself. Imagine fixing your vehicle without having to take it to a mechanic and pay your first kid's college savings? That is the reason why do-it-yourself car repair is such a big deal. Everyone and their grandmother wants to get under their own hood and get it all fixed up by themselves. How great would it feel to be able to take care of yourself?
If you are interested in cars and want to empower yourself and fix your own auto, the first thing you should do is have a good, thorough look at the manual. Familiarize yourself for all the thousands of tiny little parts of your vehicle. Although it sounds like a daunting task, everything will make more sense after you have absorbed it. And best of all: It will save you piles of cash as well. So, get each auto part figured out and see how it all works together.
If you want to fix something in your car and make it run better, you want to make sure you know what you're doing. IF you want to do something more important, like replace your brake pads, you want to be sure you're doing it right. That's a job you certainly don't want to screw up.
After you've perused the appropriate vehicle manual, you need to stock up on tools. But before you go and shell out the cash at your local automotive store, take a look on the internet. You can often find better deals online, as well as tips on what brands are the best. There are loads of forums online where you can get free advice.
How Can You Save Cash?
Before you purchase anything on the internet, make sure it's what you need. You can go to a 'big box' shop like for example Wal-mart and do some window shopping. Go somewhere with a wide selection of tools and look around. Ask the staff for advice. Then, when you know just what you need, go home and order it from the internet. It is important to make sure you are getting the right things;it can be an expensive pain to have to send the wrong thing back.
Swap Meets are also a Great place to find deals on tools!
The most important thing is to make sure your repairs are thorough. You don't want to make any mistakes that will cost you more money later. If you are totally clueless, check out some online forums.
www.CarsNet.com
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Friday, December 29, 2006
6 Tips For Saving Gas
6 Tips For Saving Gas
by: Jackson Porter
In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.
Tip#1 - Start Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.
Tip#2 - Public Transportation
If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.
Tip#3 - Price Shop
Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.
Tip#4 - Get Moving
You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.
Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car
It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.
Tip#6 - Check your Tires
It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.
These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.
www.CarsNet.com
by: Jackson Porter
In the past months we have seen the price of gasoline soar higher than ever before, and this can be hard on people who have a budget that is tight. Even though gas prices have come down a slight bit, you still will want to do everything you possibly can to save on the money you have to pay out for gas. There are a variety of ways that you can save gas, and save money.
Tip#1 - Start Carpooling
Carpooling is a great idea for fellow students and fellow employees both. If you can find people that are going to the same place you are you can save gas by riding together. It may be a good idea to trade off on who is driving from week to week so no one person gets stuck having to drive all the time. If you have to take your children to school or other functions you can also work on trading off with your friends and neighbors to take them there.
Tip#2 - Public Transportation
If it is possible you can take public transportation to work instead of driving your car. Not only will this save you money on gas, but you will also be able to relax and not worry about having to drive through all that rush hour traffic. You may even be able to fit in a quick nap on your way to work or on your way home.
Tip#3 - Price Shop
Often it may be so convenient to buy your gas at the small gas station just up the road, but to save some money on gas you may want to check the prices at other gas stations that are nearby as well. Even if the difference is only a few cents, after putting hundreds of gallons of gas in you vehicle each year, those few cents are going to add up to quite a sum of money.
Tip#4 - Get Moving
You can save some money on gas if you start walking to where you are going, or you can ride a bike as well. You will not have to worry about paying to park your car, and the exercise will be great for you body. If you are walking or biking you will not have to worry about those huge traffic jams either.
Tip#5 - Take Care of Your Car
It is always important to take care of your car so it gets the best gas mileage possible. Also be sure to plan where you are going before you go so you will not have to backtrack and waste gas. If you can, you should use your air conditioning as little as possible because using it takes more gas. Roll down your windows and you will use less gas.
Tip#6 - Check your Tires
It is important that you check the air pressure in your tires as often as possible. If your tires are too low, or the pressure in them is unequal it can make your car burn more gas. You should also be careful how you drive. If you take off from every red light very fast you are going to burn more fuel, so it is best to take off a little slower.
These are a few tips that can help the money conscious person to save money on gas. Even as gas prices drop, these tips can still help you to save more money. Conservation is important, so take advantage of these tips, save money, and save gas.
www.CarsNet.com
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Buying A Used Car: Assessing Your Needs
Buying A Used Car: Assessing Your Needs
by: Andrew Dillan
If you are buying a used car, you probably want to save some money. This means that you need to prioritize what is most important to you in a car. This article will help you assess your needs and your wants, so that you can find a car that suits you perfectly.
Cost
Look at the cost of a car. There is no point in window shopping at fully-loaded $40,000 trucks if you will only be able to afford a $4,000 truck in the first place. When you are establishing your budget for your car, be sure to account for how much the insurance will likely be, how much gas you will be spending (although this figure does change, it is best to go in having at least an idea), and regular maintenance. To budget for maintenance, you will need estimate the costs of 4 oil changes a year, plus some extra money just in case. Used cars are, well, used: they aren’t new are generally not under warranty. If you want a warranty, consider buying a used car from the dealership, who can often offer warranties even on used vehicles.
Suitability
What kind of driving do you do? You probably don’t need a four-wheel drive behemoth of an SUV if you do mostly city driving. Conversely, if you live on a gravel road, you might feel more comfortable driving in winter if you have something larger than a neon. For most drivers, the way that you drive a car will mean that you are open to many options. However, if this is a limiting factor, it is important to take into consideration.
If you are a commuter, then you will have to take other factors into consideration. You might not want to buy a car with a very high mileage, because you will be adding the miles to that odometer. You might want to find a car that has very comfortable seats to make your ride go better. Things that could be less important, like the stereo, become much more important when you spend a lot of time in your car each day.
Look
Some people would rather have a car that looks good or prestigious. It’s okay to admit that you are one of those people. For instance, for $3,500 you might be able to buy a 6 year old Honda civic; this same money could also buy you a much older BMW. If you value appearances, don’t lie to yourself when you are shopping. You want to get a car that you will love, and there’s no point looking at Ford Focuses if the only thing that will spark your delight is a Ford Mustang.
Load
How many people do you normally travel with? What is the most number of people that you have taken in your current car at once? If you don’t already have a car, estimate the number of people you will have with you on a regular basis. If you only drive around 7 people during the hockey tournament once a year, you can probably skip buying a minivan. However, if you normally drive three people around, it might be a pain to get a two door vehicle. For truck drivers, you will want to consider the amount of load that you generally put in the back of your truck to help you judge your purchase.
Your Loan
Not only do you want to get the right car, you want to get the right car loan. It is wiser to have your financing lined up before you go to a dealership. You can set up used car loans at any bank: but one often overlooked type of used car loan is to go to a credit union, where you can generally get lower interest than at a major bank. For more information on loans, (and we won’t even try to sell you a loan!) visit www.theguideto-carloans.com.
In the End
You will be the one driving. Make the decisions based on your needs and what you feel is right. Though it is great to get lots of advice (and sometimes it helps to take someone savvy about mechanics along with you to check out the car), considering these facts will help make you capable of choosing the right car.
www.CarsNet.com
by: Andrew Dillan
If you are buying a used car, you probably want to save some money. This means that you need to prioritize what is most important to you in a car. This article will help you assess your needs and your wants, so that you can find a car that suits you perfectly.
Cost
Look at the cost of a car. There is no point in window shopping at fully-loaded $40,000 trucks if you will only be able to afford a $4,000 truck in the first place. When you are establishing your budget for your car, be sure to account for how much the insurance will likely be, how much gas you will be spending (although this figure does change, it is best to go in having at least an idea), and regular maintenance. To budget for maintenance, you will need estimate the costs of 4 oil changes a year, plus some extra money just in case. Used cars are, well, used: they aren’t new are generally not under warranty. If you want a warranty, consider buying a used car from the dealership, who can often offer warranties even on used vehicles.
Suitability
What kind of driving do you do? You probably don’t need a four-wheel drive behemoth of an SUV if you do mostly city driving. Conversely, if you live on a gravel road, you might feel more comfortable driving in winter if you have something larger than a neon. For most drivers, the way that you drive a car will mean that you are open to many options. However, if this is a limiting factor, it is important to take into consideration.
If you are a commuter, then you will have to take other factors into consideration. You might not want to buy a car with a very high mileage, because you will be adding the miles to that odometer. You might want to find a car that has very comfortable seats to make your ride go better. Things that could be less important, like the stereo, become much more important when you spend a lot of time in your car each day.
Look
Some people would rather have a car that looks good or prestigious. It’s okay to admit that you are one of those people. For instance, for $3,500 you might be able to buy a 6 year old Honda civic; this same money could also buy you a much older BMW. If you value appearances, don’t lie to yourself when you are shopping. You want to get a car that you will love, and there’s no point looking at Ford Focuses if the only thing that will spark your delight is a Ford Mustang.
Load
How many people do you normally travel with? What is the most number of people that you have taken in your current car at once? If you don’t already have a car, estimate the number of people you will have with you on a regular basis. If you only drive around 7 people during the hockey tournament once a year, you can probably skip buying a minivan. However, if you normally drive three people around, it might be a pain to get a two door vehicle. For truck drivers, you will want to consider the amount of load that you generally put in the back of your truck to help you judge your purchase.
Your Loan
Not only do you want to get the right car, you want to get the right car loan. It is wiser to have your financing lined up before you go to a dealership. You can set up used car loans at any bank: but one often overlooked type of used car loan is to go to a credit union, where you can generally get lower interest than at a major bank. For more information on loans, (and we won’t even try to sell you a loan!) visit www.theguideto-carloans.com.
In the End
You will be the one driving. Make the decisions based on your needs and what you feel is right. Though it is great to get lots of advice (and sometimes it helps to take someone savvy about mechanics along with you to check out the car), considering these facts will help make you capable of choosing the right car.
www.CarsNet.com
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Super Cars
Super Cars
by: Jonathon Hardcastle
Man's thrill for speed can best be satiated with super-cars. Super-cars were made to give a taste of new extremes to mankind. They have powerful engines specially build lighter bodies which allow them to reach high maximum speeds at amazing accelerations.
Modern Super-cars are more reliable than older ones. They use new technology to make them less threatening to the environment; new exhaust converters, comparatively lower ignition engines etc. They are now made with safer gadgets and bodies to keep not only the people inside them safe but also those run over by them. All this, just to build a better future for our children and a safer and cleaner tomorrow. But we are talking about Super-cars here, so that's just not the point.
Super-cars are supposed to be much faster and fearsome than ordinary cars. Though they still are all that, but compared to the Super-cars of the past made almost fifteen years ago they are slightly slower now. The modern Super-cars have so much more technology that even if you hit the brake the computer inside the car calculates the speed and traction control and then brake the car making the response time slower than older Super-cars; in which the car did exactly what and when you told it to do. Fifteen years ago Mclaren proved that they had the technology to cross the 240 mph speed mark. Though Porche have the same technology to achieve that goal, somehow for some strange reason they held back from doing so. In some old Super-cars like the Ferrari F40 there were no door handles, no radio and no carpets and all these things made it a lot lighter. The F40 could go from naught to 60 in 3.2 seconds which almost no modern super-car can accomplish. New modern cars on the other hand have a lot of gadgets but they only serve as distractions. When you are in a super-car is drive and drive fast. Older Super-cars are still much faster than the new contemporary ones.
Environmental agencies and government regulations have made Super-cars of today have made them impotent vis-à-vis there cousins from a decade ago and at the same time have killed the very purpose of engineering and driving a super car.
www.CarsNet.com
by: Jonathon Hardcastle
Man's thrill for speed can best be satiated with super-cars. Super-cars were made to give a taste of new extremes to mankind. They have powerful engines specially build lighter bodies which allow them to reach high maximum speeds at amazing accelerations.
Modern Super-cars are more reliable than older ones. They use new technology to make them less threatening to the environment; new exhaust converters, comparatively lower ignition engines etc. They are now made with safer gadgets and bodies to keep not only the people inside them safe but also those run over by them. All this, just to build a better future for our children and a safer and cleaner tomorrow. But we are talking about Super-cars here, so that's just not the point.
Super-cars are supposed to be much faster and fearsome than ordinary cars. Though they still are all that, but compared to the Super-cars of the past made almost fifteen years ago they are slightly slower now. The modern Super-cars have so much more technology that even if you hit the brake the computer inside the car calculates the speed and traction control and then brake the car making the response time slower than older Super-cars; in which the car did exactly what and when you told it to do. Fifteen years ago Mclaren proved that they had the technology to cross the 240 mph speed mark. Though Porche have the same technology to achieve that goal, somehow for some strange reason they held back from doing so. In some old Super-cars like the Ferrari F40 there were no door handles, no radio and no carpets and all these things made it a lot lighter. The F40 could go from naught to 60 in 3.2 seconds which almost no modern super-car can accomplish. New modern cars on the other hand have a lot of gadgets but they only serve as distractions. When you are in a super-car is drive and drive fast. Older Super-cars are still much faster than the new contemporary ones.
Environmental agencies and government regulations have made Super-cars of today have made them impotent vis-à-vis there cousins from a decade ago and at the same time have killed the very purpose of engineering and driving a super car.
www.CarsNet.com
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Buying a Car on the Internet Sight Unseen
Buying a Car on the Internet Sight Unseen
by: Chris Herbert
Buying a New Computer… Or Car… on the Internet
For over two decades, Dell, Inc. has been wildly successful at bypassing the traditional stores and selling computers directly to consumers, custom-assembled according to a selection of options. The promise of convenience and savings, along with Dell’s strong company reputation and their backbone of customer service have helped ease consumer fears of buying a relatively expensive product sight unseen. Gateway and other computer makers have since embraced the online medium and are now enjoying a similar success at a varying degree. It won’t be long before buying a new car online is not going to be much different than ordering a new computer. Some German manufacturers have already caught on to this emerging trend. A BMW enthusiast, for example, could configure and order a new M6 months before its official entry into the US market. He or she could then track its progress through the manufacturing facility online similarly to the way one would track the progress of one’s new Dell. However, buying a new car online sight unseen is not a very risky proposition. One knows what one is getting and there is franchise dealer and a manufacturer standing behind it.
Buying a Used Car on the Internet – a New Breed of Shoppers
What about the used car market online? How can consumers quantify the risk they are taking buying a used car sight unseen to make sure it is justified by the savings of such purchase?
Historically, conventional used car buyers have been able to kick its tires, take it for a spin, and haggle over the asking price of the car they like at their local dealer since the invention of the automobile. Because of the internet, a considerable number of these “conventional” used car buyers have found a myriad of ways to harness the power of the ever expanding online automotive resources and tools available at their disposal to make informed buying decisions.
It is from those online savvy buyers that a new breed has emerged - those who buy their used cars online, sight unseen. Although they represent a relatively small portion of the used car buyers, these brave souls see an unmatched advantage and find ways to minimize the risks. But what’s in it for them, one might ask? Simple, actually: selection and price. The internet offers easy access to a vast selection of vehicles worldwide - online car portals, classifieds, conventional dealers with online presence and pure online-only outfits, online used car brokers, to name but a few. Since most of them are looking for a specific vehicle, their chance of finding “the one” is far greater online compared to the confines of their local area.
Needless to say, virtually all of them are looking for a bargain. Our brave souls take risks, but these are justified, at least in their eyes, because of the savings they realize by utilizing the online channel. How do they do it? They, too, are well-armed with the online tools they need to make intelligent buying decisions. Here is how these online tools help them through the decision-making and buying steps of the process.
Fair Market Value
Determining whether a particular car is a bargain is a function of understanding its fair market value given its condition in the context of the current supply and demand. For the non-economists, of course, there are a number of excellent online market valuation sources available. Kelley Blue Book, NADAGuides, Edmunds.com are some of the most widely used car pricing providers. They all base estimates on a large number of recorded transactions and provide appraisal adjustments for the year, make, model, mileage, options, condition and even local market trends. As their appraisal algorithms differ slightly from each other, the estimates may vary, so checking more than one source is recommended. There are three major price levels: trade-in (or wholesale), private party and retail. Trade-in is what one would expect to get from a dealer for one’s used car – it is the lowest of the three averages, but it’s important to know as a baseline. Private party is what one would expect to get if one sells a car to another person, and retail is what one would pay for that car at a used car dealership.
Third Party Vehicle History Reports
In addition to the seller’s honest word and availability of service records our prudent innovators tap into the same third party vehicle history report providers the rest of the used car buyers use. CARFAX and Experian’s AutoCheck, initially serving the automotive professionals only, have been available to the general public for a number of years now. For $24.99 CARFAX offers 30 days and AutoCheck offers 60 days of unlimited vehicle history reports. These provide extensive reporting on the vehicles’ recorded history: date and type of registration and renewal events, as well as checking for recorded incidents, odometer rollbacks, junk, salvage, rebuilt titles, insurance loss, theft, lemon buybacks, etc. Many dealers realize the convincing power of stating the recorded facts and now offer free vehicle history reports for the cars they sell.
Car Inspections
Independent vehicle appraisal/inspection services with online presence have also seen a boost in their business. For $99.95, CARCHEX offers to give any automobile a 155-point pre-purchase auto inspection almost anywhere in the USA. Not too high a price for peace of mind, especially if it can save one from having to deal with surprise repairs. For half of this amount, one can find a mechanic in the local directory who can check out the car and even take it for a test drive on one's behalf and then fax a detailed report. Nevertheless, some of the more thrifty buyers have found ways to save themselves the nominal fees mechanics charge without depriving themselves of the peace of mind of a pre-sale inspection. Say, I live in Boston and happened to find a 1974 BMW 2002tii that I really wanted all the way in San Diego. Now, I would definitely want the car inspected prior to buying it. My thrifty side, however, wants to avoid the $150 fee a local company would charge me to inspect the vehicle. The solution? I would ask a fellow member of the BMW enthusiast community who lives in San Diego to take a look at the car for me. There are plenty of BMW forum members that would be more than happy to offer their time and expertise to a fellow east coast bimmerphile in need.
Shipping
There is a sea of car shipping companies that would gladly bring our pioneers their newly acquired vehicles home at a reasonable price. One example, Dependable Auto Shippers operate a fleet of state-of-the-art, satellite tracked vehicle shipping transporters, which allow one to track one’s car while it's on its way much like one would track a package. Yet, a healthy number of this new breed of used cars buyers opt for driving their new purchase home on their own instead. It’s cheaper, it’s faster, and admittedly, it’s much more exciting. Sellers specializing in online sales of this kind have also adapted to accommodate the demands of this new kind of used car buyer. Airport pickups for our weary yet eager buyers are more or less industry standard, these days. Sellers specializing exclusively in online sales, providing a hot meal for their ‘guests’ at the family table before they depart on their voyage home, is not unheard of.
Although buying a used car online sight unseen is not for the faint of heart, it is a growing phenomenon, which if executed carefully, could be a very rewarding experience for all parties involved.
www.CarsNet.com
by: Chris Herbert
Buying a New Computer… Or Car… on the Internet
For over two decades, Dell, Inc. has been wildly successful at bypassing the traditional stores and selling computers directly to consumers, custom-assembled according to a selection of options. The promise of convenience and savings, along with Dell’s strong company reputation and their backbone of customer service have helped ease consumer fears of buying a relatively expensive product sight unseen. Gateway and other computer makers have since embraced the online medium and are now enjoying a similar success at a varying degree. It won’t be long before buying a new car online is not going to be much different than ordering a new computer. Some German manufacturers have already caught on to this emerging trend. A BMW enthusiast, for example, could configure and order a new M6 months before its official entry into the US market. He or she could then track its progress through the manufacturing facility online similarly to the way one would track the progress of one’s new Dell. However, buying a new car online sight unseen is not a very risky proposition. One knows what one is getting and there is franchise dealer and a manufacturer standing behind it.
Buying a Used Car on the Internet – a New Breed of Shoppers
What about the used car market online? How can consumers quantify the risk they are taking buying a used car sight unseen to make sure it is justified by the savings of such purchase?
Historically, conventional used car buyers have been able to kick its tires, take it for a spin, and haggle over the asking price of the car they like at their local dealer since the invention of the automobile. Because of the internet, a considerable number of these “conventional” used car buyers have found a myriad of ways to harness the power of the ever expanding online automotive resources and tools available at their disposal to make informed buying decisions.
It is from those online savvy buyers that a new breed has emerged - those who buy their used cars online, sight unseen. Although they represent a relatively small portion of the used car buyers, these brave souls see an unmatched advantage and find ways to minimize the risks. But what’s in it for them, one might ask? Simple, actually: selection and price. The internet offers easy access to a vast selection of vehicles worldwide - online car portals, classifieds, conventional dealers with online presence and pure online-only outfits, online used car brokers, to name but a few. Since most of them are looking for a specific vehicle, their chance of finding “the one” is far greater online compared to the confines of their local area.
Needless to say, virtually all of them are looking for a bargain. Our brave souls take risks, but these are justified, at least in their eyes, because of the savings they realize by utilizing the online channel. How do they do it? They, too, are well-armed with the online tools they need to make intelligent buying decisions. Here is how these online tools help them through the decision-making and buying steps of the process.
Fair Market Value
Determining whether a particular car is a bargain is a function of understanding its fair market value given its condition in the context of the current supply and demand. For the non-economists, of course, there are a number of excellent online market valuation sources available. Kelley Blue Book, NADAGuides, Edmunds.com are some of the most widely used car pricing providers. They all base estimates on a large number of recorded transactions and provide appraisal adjustments for the year, make, model, mileage, options, condition and even local market trends. As their appraisal algorithms differ slightly from each other, the estimates may vary, so checking more than one source is recommended. There are three major price levels: trade-in (or wholesale), private party and retail. Trade-in is what one would expect to get from a dealer for one’s used car – it is the lowest of the three averages, but it’s important to know as a baseline. Private party is what one would expect to get if one sells a car to another person, and retail is what one would pay for that car at a used car dealership.
Third Party Vehicle History Reports
In addition to the seller’s honest word and availability of service records our prudent innovators tap into the same third party vehicle history report providers the rest of the used car buyers use. CARFAX and Experian’s AutoCheck, initially serving the automotive professionals only, have been available to the general public for a number of years now. For $24.99 CARFAX offers 30 days and AutoCheck offers 60 days of unlimited vehicle history reports. These provide extensive reporting on the vehicles’ recorded history: date and type of registration and renewal events, as well as checking for recorded incidents, odometer rollbacks, junk, salvage, rebuilt titles, insurance loss, theft, lemon buybacks, etc. Many dealers realize the convincing power of stating the recorded facts and now offer free vehicle history reports for the cars they sell.
Car Inspections
Independent vehicle appraisal/inspection services with online presence have also seen a boost in their business. For $99.95, CARCHEX offers to give any automobile a 155-point pre-purchase auto inspection almost anywhere in the USA. Not too high a price for peace of mind, especially if it can save one from having to deal with surprise repairs. For half of this amount, one can find a mechanic in the local directory who can check out the car and even take it for a test drive on one's behalf and then fax a detailed report. Nevertheless, some of the more thrifty buyers have found ways to save themselves the nominal fees mechanics charge without depriving themselves of the peace of mind of a pre-sale inspection. Say, I live in Boston and happened to find a 1974 BMW 2002tii that I really wanted all the way in San Diego. Now, I would definitely want the car inspected prior to buying it. My thrifty side, however, wants to avoid the $150 fee a local company would charge me to inspect the vehicle. The solution? I would ask a fellow member of the BMW enthusiast community who lives in San Diego to take a look at the car for me. There are plenty of BMW forum members that would be more than happy to offer their time and expertise to a fellow east coast bimmerphile in need.
Shipping
There is a sea of car shipping companies that would gladly bring our pioneers their newly acquired vehicles home at a reasonable price. One example, Dependable Auto Shippers operate a fleet of state-of-the-art, satellite tracked vehicle shipping transporters, which allow one to track one’s car while it's on its way much like one would track a package. Yet, a healthy number of this new breed of used cars buyers opt for driving their new purchase home on their own instead. It’s cheaper, it’s faster, and admittedly, it’s much more exciting. Sellers specializing in online sales of this kind have also adapted to accommodate the demands of this new kind of used car buyer. Airport pickups for our weary yet eager buyers are more or less industry standard, these days. Sellers specializing exclusively in online sales, providing a hot meal for their ‘guests’ at the family table before they depart on their voyage home, is not unheard of.
Although buying a used car online sight unseen is not for the faint of heart, it is a growing phenomenon, which if executed carefully, could be a very rewarding experience for all parties involved.
www.CarsNet.com
Saturday, December 23, 2006
Buying Your First Classic Car
Buying Your First Classic Car
by: Tony Brings
For most people, owning classic or vintage cars is a dream-come true. Owning classic cars are considered a luxury. It is very expensive and most people cannot afford to buy one, much more to restore one.
If you are considering buying a classic car, you should first think about your budget, how much are you willing to spend on these antique machines? There are some people who spend their saving just to own one.
Vintage cars can also be an investment. After you restore one, the market value of the car would be better than you imagined. Depending on its model and condition, classic cars can be a potential profit maker.
These classics are usually sold in auctions and there are many classic car enthusiasts out there willing to spend a fortune on these cars.
However, before buying one you should consider the following:
Keep in mind that what you want to buy would be described as a collector car.
Decide what car fits your budget. This will probably eliminate those vintages you drool about in major car shows, unless you are very rich. Just one of those cars you see in major car shows can cost you at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Researching on where to buy classic cars is not easy. You have to spend a lot of time and effort just by searching one of these cars. Remember that these cars are not manufactured anymore and you do not often see these on your regular used car dealership.
You would probably find one on junk yards or on old people’s houses that do sell or throw these classics away. You can even get them with a bargain price. However, these cars are probably covered with rust already and have engines that are in bad shape.
Another good way to look for a classic car is by going to auctions. If you can afford to travel, take time to go to car auctions in different places.
This will give you a chance to offer a bargain for it. You can also opt for a classic car that is in good condition and less restoration will be required.
If you found what you were looking for, compare them. If you are a mechanic you can probably do the comparison yourself, if not, try to bring your trusted mechanic along to help you decide which one to buy. Always remember that the less restoration required the better.
After purchasing the car, the next step would be restoring it. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and money on this phase, since good car parts for classic cars are hard to come by and are usually very expensive to manufacture.
Obtaining the car parts necessary for restoration will be very time consuming and will require you to make many calls in shops that sells antique car parts. One way of easily obtaining classic car parts is by searching in the Internet.
Here, you can obtain hard-to-find parts for the model of your car.
If you do not find one, you can ask a machine shop to manufacture one for you. All you have to do is bring the old part to the shop and they will do the rest.
If you don’t know much about repairing cars, much more restoring it, it is probably best if you hire a mechanic to do the restoration or go to one of those classic car restoration shops. These kinds of shops are usually very expensive and not recommended if you bought the car for investment purposes.
This is because some classic cars restored are valued less than what it costs to do the restoration.
After the restoration and paying huge bills for the mechanic or restoration shops, you can now fully enjoy your vintage car for years to come.
www.Carsnet.com
by: Tony Brings
For most people, owning classic or vintage cars is a dream-come true. Owning classic cars are considered a luxury. It is very expensive and most people cannot afford to buy one, much more to restore one.
If you are considering buying a classic car, you should first think about your budget, how much are you willing to spend on these antique machines? There are some people who spend their saving just to own one.
Vintage cars can also be an investment. After you restore one, the market value of the car would be better than you imagined. Depending on its model and condition, classic cars can be a potential profit maker.
These classics are usually sold in auctions and there are many classic car enthusiasts out there willing to spend a fortune on these cars.
However, before buying one you should consider the following:
Keep in mind that what you want to buy would be described as a collector car.
Decide what car fits your budget. This will probably eliminate those vintages you drool about in major car shows, unless you are very rich. Just one of those cars you see in major car shows can cost you at least hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Researching on where to buy classic cars is not easy. You have to spend a lot of time and effort just by searching one of these cars. Remember that these cars are not manufactured anymore and you do not often see these on your regular used car dealership.
You would probably find one on junk yards or on old people’s houses that do sell or throw these classics away. You can even get them with a bargain price. However, these cars are probably covered with rust already and have engines that are in bad shape.
Another good way to look for a classic car is by going to auctions. If you can afford to travel, take time to go to car auctions in different places.
This will give you a chance to offer a bargain for it. You can also opt for a classic car that is in good condition and less restoration will be required.
If you found what you were looking for, compare them. If you are a mechanic you can probably do the comparison yourself, if not, try to bring your trusted mechanic along to help you decide which one to buy. Always remember that the less restoration required the better.
After purchasing the car, the next step would be restoring it. Be prepared to spend a lot of time and money on this phase, since good car parts for classic cars are hard to come by and are usually very expensive to manufacture.
Obtaining the car parts necessary for restoration will be very time consuming and will require you to make many calls in shops that sells antique car parts. One way of easily obtaining classic car parts is by searching in the Internet.
Here, you can obtain hard-to-find parts for the model of your car.
If you do not find one, you can ask a machine shop to manufacture one for you. All you have to do is bring the old part to the shop and they will do the rest.
If you don’t know much about repairing cars, much more restoring it, it is probably best if you hire a mechanic to do the restoration or go to one of those classic car restoration shops. These kinds of shops are usually very expensive and not recommended if you bought the car for investment purposes.
This is because some classic cars restored are valued less than what it costs to do the restoration.
After the restoration and paying huge bills for the mechanic or restoration shops, you can now fully enjoy your vintage car for years to come.
www.Carsnet.com
Friday, December 22, 2006
Customized Harley Davidson Is Hot
Customized Harley Davidson Is Hot
by: Low Jeremy
Each Harley-Davidson rider wants to have a unique Harley that is distinct to any of the existing Harley in the world. This creates more pride and excitement to the owner. This is why customized Harley-Davidson is the second factory of either a brand new or pre-owned Harleys.
So what is customized Harley-Davidson?
Have you been to auto shows like the LA Auto Show or the Detroit Auto Show? Have you seen those custom made vehicles that are truly one of their kinds? Have you seen those flashy designs that could turn the heads of every bystander every time these custom vehicles pass by?
Customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles are motorcycles that have been modified and fabricated to become the sole possessor of a particular look or theme. Customized Harley-Davidson projects a unique blend of the owner’s personal impression and the artistic expression to a subject. The customized Harley-Davidson is a work of art that could be a source of inspiration for other future customized vehicle but could not be exactly imitated.
Why is customized Harley-Davidson hot?
No matter where you go, a Harley-Davidson is a head turner. What more if it is a customized Harley-Davidson? How much attraction could it get if the Harley has been modified with all the latest, exotic or techy stuffs available?
Since the owners would want to create an attractive Harley-Davidson motorcycle that would signify their inner impression, customization is the only resort. Thus, when a customized Harley hits a show or the road, no one can resist its power to turn heads. Customized Harley-Davidson is hot because of these reasons.
Where can you acquire custom Harley-Davidson services?
There several sites on the internet like the http://www.cyrilhuze.com and the http://www.hogpainter.com that are more than willing to transform your Harley motorcycle into work of art. They will convert your Harley-Davidson into a more exciting machine to ride. They will make your Harley-Davidson the best one in town. Hear of the Hot Rods? They are the most popular car restorer and fabricators in the United States. They have entries in auto shows around the world. They have won several prestigious awards by converting simple cars into mean machines. They have services top brand of cars from popular people.
You too can acquire such service with top Harley-Davidson custom makers. You can contact them from their sites or visit them at their addresses and have your Harley motorcycle the real image it deserves.
www.CarsNet.com
by: Low Jeremy
Each Harley-Davidson rider wants to have a unique Harley that is distinct to any of the existing Harley in the world. This creates more pride and excitement to the owner. This is why customized Harley-Davidson is the second factory of either a brand new or pre-owned Harleys.
So what is customized Harley-Davidson?
Have you been to auto shows like the LA Auto Show or the Detroit Auto Show? Have you seen those custom made vehicles that are truly one of their kinds? Have you seen those flashy designs that could turn the heads of every bystander every time these custom vehicles pass by?
Customized Harley-Davidson motorcycles are motorcycles that have been modified and fabricated to become the sole possessor of a particular look or theme. Customized Harley-Davidson projects a unique blend of the owner’s personal impression and the artistic expression to a subject. The customized Harley-Davidson is a work of art that could be a source of inspiration for other future customized vehicle but could not be exactly imitated.
Why is customized Harley-Davidson hot?
No matter where you go, a Harley-Davidson is a head turner. What more if it is a customized Harley-Davidson? How much attraction could it get if the Harley has been modified with all the latest, exotic or techy stuffs available?
Since the owners would want to create an attractive Harley-Davidson motorcycle that would signify their inner impression, customization is the only resort. Thus, when a customized Harley hits a show or the road, no one can resist its power to turn heads. Customized Harley-Davidson is hot because of these reasons.
Where can you acquire custom Harley-Davidson services?
There several sites on the internet like the http://www.cyrilhuze.com and the http://www.hogpainter.com that are more than willing to transform your Harley motorcycle into work of art. They will convert your Harley-Davidson into a more exciting machine to ride. They will make your Harley-Davidson the best one in town. Hear of the Hot Rods? They are the most popular car restorer and fabricators in the United States. They have entries in auto shows around the world. They have won several prestigious awards by converting simple cars into mean machines. They have services top brand of cars from popular people.
You too can acquire such service with top Harley-Davidson custom makers. You can contact them from their sites or visit them at their addresses and have your Harley motorcycle the real image it deserves.
www.CarsNet.com
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Up Your Used Car Value By Stopping Rust
Up Your Used Car Value By Stopping Rust Part 1
by: Barbara Thorp
Rust is rust. It's unsightly, it speaks of neglect and inevitable decay. And no one likes it. Certainly not on cars, whether used cars or new. After all, we want our cars looking shiny and brand-new, just as it was when it left the car dealer lot.
When it comes to buying used cars, no one wants to buy a rust bucket. Rust radically depreciates your used car's resale value. So, whether want to buy used car or a new one, the trick is keeping rust from taking root in your car.
Three basic steps are:
FIND RUST
KEEP IT FROM STARTING
ATTEND TO IT ONCE IT HAS STARTED
Most people shopping around at the used car dealer lot fail to detect rust simply because they don't know where to spot it. Of course, you can't expect the dealer to be upfront about rust in their used cars for sale. One needs to understand then how rust usually starts and where it is most likely to emerge.
How Rust Starts
Rust usually begins through the chips and nicks your car receives from the pebbles and stones that hit it during daily driving. With a small nick exposing bare metal in an unnoticeable location, it is just a matter of time until rust forms.
Left unchecked long enough, this tiny nick will eat its way through to the other side. When this happens you have problems because once a rust hole starts, it cannot be stopped. It can only be slowed down.
Where to Look For Rust
The most likely areas to check for rust are in and around the wheel wells, and on the fenders immediately behind the tyres. These are the war zones where your tyres will kick up stones and chip the paint. The front of your car can also catch flying stones from other cars, making this a problem area as well.
The next time you're looking at used cars for sale, use a torch to look underneath the car, and behind the front and rear tyres on both sides. Of course, before you do this make sure the car is parked on a level surface in park/gear and the emergency brake on. If it is on a slope, put blocks under the wheels for added safety. Shine your light on the inside of the fenders and wheel wells.
Another word to the wise for those who buy used car
Avoid cars with fresh paint. Think about it: no one paints a car just because the colour has faded a little. It was painted because either it was in an accident or it had a rust problem or worse yet - both! A crash repairer can hide a lot of sin with paint and body filler
Other rust-prone places to check when buying a used car are the exterior flooring under the driver's and passenger's seats, the interior flooring underneath the carpeting/matting, under the carpeting/matting in the boot, and around the engine compartment. Use your torch, your eyes, and your fingers!
www.CarsNet.com
by: Barbara Thorp
Rust is rust. It's unsightly, it speaks of neglect and inevitable decay. And no one likes it. Certainly not on cars, whether used cars or new. After all, we want our cars looking shiny and brand-new, just as it was when it left the car dealer lot.
When it comes to buying used cars, no one wants to buy a rust bucket. Rust radically depreciates your used car's resale value. So, whether want to buy used car or a new one, the trick is keeping rust from taking root in your car.
Three basic steps are:
FIND RUST
KEEP IT FROM STARTING
ATTEND TO IT ONCE IT HAS STARTED
Most people shopping around at the used car dealer lot fail to detect rust simply because they don't know where to spot it. Of course, you can't expect the dealer to be upfront about rust in their used cars for sale. One needs to understand then how rust usually starts and where it is most likely to emerge.
How Rust Starts
Rust usually begins through the chips and nicks your car receives from the pebbles and stones that hit it during daily driving. With a small nick exposing bare metal in an unnoticeable location, it is just a matter of time until rust forms.
Left unchecked long enough, this tiny nick will eat its way through to the other side. When this happens you have problems because once a rust hole starts, it cannot be stopped. It can only be slowed down.
Where to Look For Rust
The most likely areas to check for rust are in and around the wheel wells, and on the fenders immediately behind the tyres. These are the war zones where your tyres will kick up stones and chip the paint. The front of your car can also catch flying stones from other cars, making this a problem area as well.
The next time you're looking at used cars for sale, use a torch to look underneath the car, and behind the front and rear tyres on both sides. Of course, before you do this make sure the car is parked on a level surface in park/gear and the emergency brake on. If it is on a slope, put blocks under the wheels for added safety. Shine your light on the inside of the fenders and wheel wells.
Another word to the wise for those who buy used car
Avoid cars with fresh paint. Think about it: no one paints a car just because the colour has faded a little. It was painted because either it was in an accident or it had a rust problem or worse yet - both! A crash repairer can hide a lot of sin with paint and body filler
Other rust-prone places to check when buying a used car are the exterior flooring under the driver's and passenger's seats, the interior flooring underneath the carpeting/matting, under the carpeting/matting in the boot, and around the engine compartment. Use your torch, your eyes, and your fingers!
www.CarsNet.com
Wednesday, December 20, 2006
1948 Buick 4 Door Fastback
Easy restoration/NEW INTERIOR ALREADY INSTALLED
FOR SALE:1948 BUICK 4 DOOR FASTBACK/STRAIGHT 8/THREE ON THE COLUMN MANUAL TRANSMISSION/ JUST OUT OF LONG-TERM STORAGE,HAS NEW INTERIOR INSTALLED RUS/DRIVES/&STOPS/DASH IN EXCELLENT CONDITION/SKIRTS/NEEDS PAINT TO BE READY FOR NEXT YEARS CAR SHOWS, THIS IS AN EASY ECONOMICAL RESTORATION FOR A HIGHLY DESIRABLE CAR.FOR ADDITIONAL INFO OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=145
FOR SALE:1948 BUICK 4 DOOR FASTBACK/STRAIGHT 8/THREE ON THE COLUMN MANUAL TRANSMISSION/ JUST OUT OF LONG-TERM STORAGE,HAS NEW INTERIOR INSTALLED RUS/DRIVES/&STOPS/DASH IN EXCELLENT CONDITION/SKIRTS/NEEDS PAINT TO BE READY FOR NEXT YEARS CAR SHOWS, THIS IS AN EASY ECONOMICAL RESTORATION FOR A HIGHLY DESIRABLE CAR.FOR ADDITIONAL INFO OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=145
SUPER RARE 1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
SUPER RARE 1940CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
FOR SALE:1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 4 DOOR SEDAN IN NEED OF COSMETIC RESTORATION RUNS/STARTS/STOPS/RIDES LIKE FLOATING ON A CLOUD, MINOR ROCKER RUST AND SURFACE RUST. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=144
FOR SALE:1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 4 DOOR SEDAN IN NEED OF COSMETIC RESTORATION RUNS/STARTS/STOPS/RIDES LIKE FLOATING ON A CLOUD, MINOR ROCKER RUST AND SURFACE RUST. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=144
SUPER RARE 1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
SUPER RARE 1940CADILLAC FLEETWOOD
FOR SALE:1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 4 DOOR SEDAN IN NEED OF COSMETIC RESTORATION RUNS/STARTS/STOPS/RIDES LIKE FLOATING ON A CLOUD, MINOR ROCKER RUST AND SURFACE RUST. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=144
FOR SALE:1940 CADILLAC FLEETWOOD 4 DOOR SEDAN IN NEED OF COSMETIC RESTORATION RUNS/STARTS/STOPS/RIDES LIKE FLOATING ON A CLOUD, MINOR ROCKER RUST AND SURFACE RUST. FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=144
CUSTOM TRUCK FOR SHOW OR GO
CUSTOM TRUCK FOR SHOW OR GO
FOR SALE: CUSTOM CHEVY PICKUP/CHOPPED/CHANNELED/ROUNDED/TINTED GLASS/AMERICAN RACING WHEELS/RADIALS/NICE STEREO/LATE MODEL MOTOR & TRANSMISSION/THIS IS A DRIVE ANYWHERE TRUCK THAT IS A CONSISTENT TROPHY WINNER IN ALL SIZE SHOWS AND RALLYS.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=146
FOR SALE: CUSTOM CHEVY PICKUP/CHOPPED/CHANNELED/ROUNDED/TINTED GLASS/AMERICAN RACING WHEELS/RADIALS/NICE STEREO/LATE MODEL MOTOR & TRANSMISSION/THIS IS A DRIVE ANYWHERE TRUCK THAT IS A CONSISTENT TROPHY WINNER IN ALL SIZE SHOWS AND RALLYS.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES CALL 870-930-0335 OR 870-268-9199 OR E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=146
1934 Plymouth Pro Street
PRO-STREET TROPHY WINNING STREET-ROD
FOR SALE:1934 PLYMOUTH 5 WIND
WINDOW COUPE/PRO STREET/HOOSIER TIRES/WELD WHEELS/MATCHING STEERING WHEEL/POWER STEERING/POWER BRAKES/TILT/POWER TINTED WINDOWS/POWER TRUNK/FULLY DRESSED ENGINE/INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION/THIS IS TRUALY UNIQUE ROD THAT WILL OUTLOOK FORDS AND CHEVYS ALL DAY LONG/LOOKS CHOPPED/CUSTOM FULL WIDTH BENCH SEAT/SCULPTURED INTERIOR PLUS MORE.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=147
FOR SALE:1934 PLYMOUTH 5 WIND
WINDOW COUPE/PRO STREET/HOOSIER TIRES/WELD WHEELS/MATCHING STEERING WHEEL/POWER STEERING/POWER BRAKES/TILT/POWER TINTED WINDOWS/POWER TRUNK/FULLY DRESSED ENGINE/INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION/THIS IS TRUALY UNIQUE ROD THAT WILL OUTLOOK FORDS AND CHEVYS ALL DAY LONG/LOOKS CHOPPED/CUSTOM FULL WIDTH BENCH SEAT/SCULPTURED INTERIOR PLUS MORE.FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR PICTURES E-MAIL ME:bjharris@mynewroads.com
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=147
Monday, December 11, 2006
Engine Cooling Fans
Engine Cooling Fans
by: Darren Dunners
The Engine cooling fans are mechanical devices that move the hot air and other gases, which can be harmful with regards to the safety of the engine unit of a vehicle. These gases and hot air can be discomforting for the people sitting inside the vehicle. Since this articles needs to discuss the Engine cooling fans, these fans can be categorized in three ways. Fans deliver large amounts of air or gas at low pressure, blowers have high rates of delivery at medium pressure, and compressors deliver at high pressure. These Electric cooling fans have an attached motor that moves blades of the fans which drives away the hot air around the radiator. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature.
Almost all the front-wheel driven cars and vehicles have the electric cooling fans installed in them as their engine is usually mounted transversely, meaning the output of the engine points toward the side of the car. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. However, these types of automatic engine cooling fans are used in vehicles that are more sophisticated.
Cars that are rear wheel driven have engines that are usually longitudinally placed and have these engine-driven cooling fans. These fans have a switch that is controlled with the surrounding temperature and is called as a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch. This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator. This special viscous clutch is much like the viscous coupling sometimes found in all-wheel drive cars. These types of latest engine cooling fans can be retrieved by placing special orders.
In some perfectly designed engine cooling fans, the designers have applied a semi-analytic and semi empirical formula which is specifically developed for predicting noise radiation from engine cooling fan assemblies. These engine cooling fans significantly reduce the noise that is caused by the engine.
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
by: Darren Dunners
The Engine cooling fans are mechanical devices that move the hot air and other gases, which can be harmful with regards to the safety of the engine unit of a vehicle. These gases and hot air can be discomforting for the people sitting inside the vehicle. Since this articles needs to discuss the Engine cooling fans, these fans can be categorized in three ways. Fans deliver large amounts of air or gas at low pressure, blowers have high rates of delivery at medium pressure, and compressors deliver at high pressure. These Electric cooling fans have an attached motor that moves blades of the fans which drives away the hot air around the radiator. Like the thermostat, the cooling fan has to be controlled so that it allows the engine to maintain a constant temperature.
Almost all the front-wheel driven cars and vehicles have the electric cooling fans installed in them as their engine is usually mounted transversely, meaning the output of the engine points toward the side of the car. The fans are controlled either with a thermostatic switch or by the engine computer, and they turn on when the temperature of the coolant goes above a set point. They turn back off when the temperature drops below that point. However, these types of automatic engine cooling fans are used in vehicles that are more sophisticated.
Cars that are rear wheel driven have engines that are usually longitudinally placed and have these engine-driven cooling fans. These fans have a switch that is controlled with the surrounding temperature and is called as a thermostatically controlled viscous clutch. This clutch is positioned at the hub of the fan, in the airflow coming through the radiator. This special viscous clutch is much like the viscous coupling sometimes found in all-wheel drive cars. These types of latest engine cooling fans can be retrieved by placing special orders.
In some perfectly designed engine cooling fans, the designers have applied a semi-analytic and semi empirical formula which is specifically developed for predicting noise radiation from engine cooling fan assemblies. These engine cooling fans significantly reduce the noise that is caused by the engine.
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
Saturday, December 09, 2006
How To Plan A Car Show Extravaganza And Fundraiser
How to Plan a Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser
by: Tonza Borden
A car show “extravaganza” is a fantastic opportunity to bring a community or special interest group together – for more than one cause. Planning your car show event is not an easy task but the process can be simplified and efficient. The most important steps to planning your extravaganza are as follows:
The Organizers
You can be the sole show organizer or it can be a joint venture with another group. Whichever way you decide to go, there is a lot of face-to-face coordination involved. Also, it may be inconvenient to get everybody to together at a meeting on the same day. But you will need to make sure that everybody knows what’s going on and be reminded of their role and responsibilities. You’re probably wondering how to accomplish that because coordinating people is a major feat itself. Here’s where Atlanta Antique Car Club comes in with those hard-to-find resources. We recommend staying in contact with helloWorld – Video e-Mail. It is easy, affordable and so much better than phoning.
The Event
Plan a car show with a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family. Plan a luxury and performance car and bike event dedicated to the automobile industry – featuring the best possible cars, motorcycles, limousines, customs, and art cars available because this is the “attraction”. Varying your selection of automobiles and automotive products is what will give your show the extravagant factor and take it over the top.
The Venue
Location, location, location. This is where your show will go down in history. Because of the nature of your event, selecting a venue that is unique is very important. It must have an acceptable floor plan to accommodate a large crowd, registration, bathrooms, many exhibitors and vendors, and ample parking spaces for visitors and show car trailers.
The Theme
Classic cars, food and old music are the right formula for an old-school theme and goodtime. Dressing in period clothing can add nostalgia and interest, too. And, when the 50’s music starts, your visitors will be taking a trip down memory lane. Check out this 50s party in a box to get your creative juices flowing.
The Attraction
If this is your main event of the year, it should be a festive “extravaganza” representing a vintage and classic car lifestyle. Whether it is one day or held over a few days, it should have a dramatic theme to set the stage for beautiful motorcars and beautiful people. Your car show should be the hottest ticket in town – not the most boring. So pull out all of the stops and go for it!
The Multi-Task Team Building
The people behind your car show are a very important component – especially the creative team. Here’s a tip that will pay dividends. Keep all of your volunteers happy because they comprise the logistical teams to perform the multi-tasks, at no cost. That being said, the creative team is responsible for planning the theme and working with the committees to get it done, under budget and on time.
The Vendors or Us
Buying, cooking and selling foodstuff has its advantages. On the other hand, your event may be so huge that you won’t have enough hands to flip burgers quick enough. Inviting vendors is a good thing as long as they:
Carry insurance
Be reliable and on-time
Be very professional
The Fundraising
Make your car show extravaganza make money – without spending a lot. How? Use your church parking lot or a donated venue. Be your own vendor by cooking and selling food and beverage – that’s donated or bought at discount prices. What you spend upfront will make a big difference on your bottom line. Sell tickets for a raffle, special attraction, etc. Charge a small fee for parking lot spaces for swap meet vendors. Or, collect donated sale items from your members for 100% profit. Ask for donated folding tables as well as monetary donations (if you are a nonprofit organization). Write and publish FREE public service announcements to announce your event – giving them at least two weeks lead-time. Tell everyone to tell everyone. Get the word out for FREE.
The Sponsors
Sponsors are companies who wish to be associated with your car show and visitors. A great car show is an event that sponsors would like to be associated with so keep that in mind when building your sponsor relationships.
The Exhibitors
You will want to round off your show with sponsors, food vendors, swap meet vendors, disc jockey, musicians, bands, bike performances, etc. Because when it’s all said and done, it’s all about having a good time so give your visitors variety, thrill and excitement. When they’re happy, they tend to buy from exhibitors.
The Visitors
Vintage and classic car show visitors are unique. They are in a class by themselves. They are a special group of people who live the old-school car lifestyle. They are car collectors, enthusiasts and wannabes – with buying power. They are a group who recognize and respect universal status symbols and the finer things that money can buy. That being said, your car show visitors deserve the very best show you can provide.
The Media
Last but not least, you will want to invite the media to make them your partner for all of your car show extravaganzas. As I’ve stated, you must encourage volunteers to tell everyone but telling the media is your best bet. A public service announcement will cover a greater audience and territory than you will be able to do by word of mouth. Another form of ‘media’ is flyers, banners, your web site where people can visit your site for information about upcoming events. In fact, you should be advertising your car club, group, organization at all times and I.D.IT!PLATES is a great way to drive traffic to your web.
Planning and implementing a car show won’t be easy but if it was it probably wouldn’t be a car show “extravaganza”. Use this outline to get started with your first car show. Having a plan will help you to stay focused and efficient – while keeping it simple. After the show, you will want to see pictures that tell the story about your success. So ask all volunteers to bring a camera to snap lots of pictures of event activities and car enthusiast having fun. Please don’t forget to share your pictures with Atlanta Antique Car Club's photo gallery - for the entire world to see.
About The Author
Tonza Borden is the developer and administrator of AtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com. She is a successful home-based communications specialist. Collecting antique automobilia is her hobby. Learning all about vintage automobiles is her passion. Visit http://www.atlantaantiquecarclub.com or contact tonza@atlantaantiquecarclub.com for written permission to reproduce for noncommercial use ©”How To Plan A Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser “ giving credit to the author.
tonzaborden@atlantaantiquecarclub.com
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
by: Tonza Borden
A car show “extravaganza” is a fantastic opportunity to bring a community or special interest group together – for more than one cause. Planning your car show event is not an easy task but the process can be simplified and efficient. The most important steps to planning your extravaganza are as follows:
The Organizers
You can be the sole show organizer or it can be a joint venture with another group. Whichever way you decide to go, there is a lot of face-to-face coordination involved. Also, it may be inconvenient to get everybody to together at a meeting on the same day. But you will need to make sure that everybody knows what’s going on and be reminded of their role and responsibilities. You’re probably wondering how to accomplish that because coordinating people is a major feat itself. Here’s where Atlanta Antique Car Club comes in with those hard-to-find resources. We recommend staying in contact with helloWorld – Video e-Mail. It is easy, affordable and so much better than phoning.
The Event
Plan a car show with a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole family. Plan a luxury and performance car and bike event dedicated to the automobile industry – featuring the best possible cars, motorcycles, limousines, customs, and art cars available because this is the “attraction”. Varying your selection of automobiles and automotive products is what will give your show the extravagant factor and take it over the top.
The Venue
Location, location, location. This is where your show will go down in history. Because of the nature of your event, selecting a venue that is unique is very important. It must have an acceptable floor plan to accommodate a large crowd, registration, bathrooms, many exhibitors and vendors, and ample parking spaces for visitors and show car trailers.
The Theme
Classic cars, food and old music are the right formula for an old-school theme and goodtime. Dressing in period clothing can add nostalgia and interest, too. And, when the 50’s music starts, your visitors will be taking a trip down memory lane. Check out this 50s party in a box to get your creative juices flowing.
The Attraction
If this is your main event of the year, it should be a festive “extravaganza” representing a vintage and classic car lifestyle. Whether it is one day or held over a few days, it should have a dramatic theme to set the stage for beautiful motorcars and beautiful people. Your car show should be the hottest ticket in town – not the most boring. So pull out all of the stops and go for it!
The Multi-Task Team Building
The people behind your car show are a very important component – especially the creative team. Here’s a tip that will pay dividends. Keep all of your volunteers happy because they comprise the logistical teams to perform the multi-tasks, at no cost. That being said, the creative team is responsible for planning the theme and working with the committees to get it done, under budget and on time.
The Vendors or Us
Buying, cooking and selling foodstuff has its advantages. On the other hand, your event may be so huge that you won’t have enough hands to flip burgers quick enough. Inviting vendors is a good thing as long as they:
Carry insurance
Be reliable and on-time
Be very professional
The Fundraising
Make your car show extravaganza make money – without spending a lot. How? Use your church parking lot or a donated venue. Be your own vendor by cooking and selling food and beverage – that’s donated or bought at discount prices. What you spend upfront will make a big difference on your bottom line. Sell tickets for a raffle, special attraction, etc. Charge a small fee for parking lot spaces for swap meet vendors. Or, collect donated sale items from your members for 100% profit. Ask for donated folding tables as well as monetary donations (if you are a nonprofit organization). Write and publish FREE public service announcements to announce your event – giving them at least two weeks lead-time. Tell everyone to tell everyone. Get the word out for FREE.
The Sponsors
Sponsors are companies who wish to be associated with your car show and visitors. A great car show is an event that sponsors would like to be associated with so keep that in mind when building your sponsor relationships.
The Exhibitors
You will want to round off your show with sponsors, food vendors, swap meet vendors, disc jockey, musicians, bands, bike performances, etc. Because when it’s all said and done, it’s all about having a good time so give your visitors variety, thrill and excitement. When they’re happy, they tend to buy from exhibitors.
The Visitors
Vintage and classic car show visitors are unique. They are in a class by themselves. They are a special group of people who live the old-school car lifestyle. They are car collectors, enthusiasts and wannabes – with buying power. They are a group who recognize and respect universal status symbols and the finer things that money can buy. That being said, your car show visitors deserve the very best show you can provide.
The Media
Last but not least, you will want to invite the media to make them your partner for all of your car show extravaganzas. As I’ve stated, you must encourage volunteers to tell everyone but telling the media is your best bet. A public service announcement will cover a greater audience and territory than you will be able to do by word of mouth. Another form of ‘media’ is flyers, banners, your web site where people can visit your site for information about upcoming events. In fact, you should be advertising your car club, group, organization at all times and I.D.IT!PLATES is a great way to drive traffic to your web.
Planning and implementing a car show won’t be easy but if it was it probably wouldn’t be a car show “extravaganza”. Use this outline to get started with your first car show. Having a plan will help you to stay focused and efficient – while keeping it simple. After the show, you will want to see pictures that tell the story about your success. So ask all volunteers to bring a camera to snap lots of pictures of event activities and car enthusiast having fun. Please don’t forget to share your pictures with Atlanta Antique Car Club's photo gallery - for the entire world to see.
About The Author
Tonza Borden is the developer and administrator of AtlantaAntiqueCarClub.com. She is a successful home-based communications specialist. Collecting antique automobilia is her hobby. Learning all about vintage automobiles is her passion. Visit http://www.atlantaantiquecarclub.com or contact tonza@atlantaantiquecarclub.com for written permission to reproduce for noncommercial use ©”How To Plan A Car Show Extravaganza and Fundraiser “ giving credit to the author.
tonzaborden@atlantaantiquecarclub.com
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
Thursday, December 07, 2006
I Just Need To Vent!
I just need to vent!!!
Sherry's Saturn developed a nasty oil leak so she takes it to the Saturn Dealer. They charge her $87 to do a diagnostic of the leak and come to the conclusion that her timing case cover is leaking and it will cost close to $1K to fit it!
I hate oil leaks but I like my $1K more, lol, so I decide to do the job myself and save the $1K. It cost about $100 in parts and 2.5 days out of my life. Cuts and bruises plus an aching back and legs because I am an old man!
Well, I get all done. I did a fantastic job. I was super careful. I went over all the nuts & bolts I could find to tighten them. Found one motor mount bolt backed WAAAAAAY out. Whew, glad I found that. Sherry drives the car and there is still a puddle of oil under her car!!!! What!!! I did what Saturn said was wrong and it didn't help at all!!! Man was I upset.
While I was looking under her car, I noticed that the oil filter is buried right around the corner from the timing case cover. Hmmmm, I replaced the oil filter and Bada Bing! No More Leaks!!!! What the Hell!!!!
2.5 days and all it took was a $5 oil filter and 5 minutes of my time to fix it!
Bottom Line: Never Ass-U-Me that experts know what they are talking about. Do you own research and get a second opinion on anything major!!!
A Bad Oil Filter, Oy Vey!
Sherry is very happy and I guess that is worth all the pain, getting covered in dirty old grease & oil and 2.5 days out of my life. I just wished I had not listened to the "Experts". I never did before, ask my Lawyer and CPA, lol.
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
Sherry's Saturn developed a nasty oil leak so she takes it to the Saturn Dealer. They charge her $87 to do a diagnostic of the leak and come to the conclusion that her timing case cover is leaking and it will cost close to $1K to fit it!
I hate oil leaks but I like my $1K more, lol, so I decide to do the job myself and save the $1K. It cost about $100 in parts and 2.5 days out of my life. Cuts and bruises plus an aching back and legs because I am an old man!
Well, I get all done. I did a fantastic job. I was super careful. I went over all the nuts & bolts I could find to tighten them. Found one motor mount bolt backed WAAAAAAY out. Whew, glad I found that. Sherry drives the car and there is still a puddle of oil under her car!!!! What!!! I did what Saturn said was wrong and it didn't help at all!!! Man was I upset.
While I was looking under her car, I noticed that the oil filter is buried right around the corner from the timing case cover. Hmmmm, I replaced the oil filter and Bada Bing! No More Leaks!!!! What the Hell!!!!
2.5 days and all it took was a $5 oil filter and 5 minutes of my time to fix it!
Bottom Line: Never Ass-U-Me that experts know what they are talking about. Do you own research and get a second opinion on anything major!!!
A Bad Oil Filter, Oy Vey!
Sherry is very happy and I guess that is worth all the pain, getting covered in dirty old grease & oil and 2.5 days out of my life. I just wished I had not listened to the "Experts". I never did before, ask my Lawyer and CPA, lol.
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
Monday, December 04, 2006
1986 Buick Grand National
1986 BUICK GRAND NATIONAL 11,405 ORIGINAL MILES
Introduced in 1984 over 20 years ago the Grand National is still considered America's Modern Muscle car. In 1986 Buick added a intercooler to their turbo Regal line up boosting horsepower to 235 with 330 lbs of torque. The Grand National was a special edition constructed with an all black appearance. This look held virtually no chrome or brightwork and was completed with air dam and spoiler. This body style with the all blacked out look made the GN very desirable and with the performance you were getting many people preferred these Buicks over any Euro sports car. This is an extremely rare T-Top model. T-Tops were offered one year only and of the 5,512 only a small handfull of T-Top GN's were built.
This is a numbers matching vehicle the engine is the famous 3.8 litre with original intercooler and turbo. This power plant was capable of 0-60 in less than 7 seconds and would run the 1/4 mile in 14 sec. This vehicle has 11,495 original miles since new and has all its original factory equipment. The motor runs strong and trans shifts like new. Equipped with Grand Touring suspension which included a rear stabilizer bar, larger Diameter front Stabilizer bar, higher rate springs and shocks, the rear axle ratio was 3.42:1. Simply stated without all the technical spec numbers this one quick car.
The interior is original and look's brand new. Everything works including AC, boost gauges, Power windows and the vehicle was upgraded with a superior sound system. The T-tops fit perfect and include the storage bags.
The exterior of this vehicle is black and gorgeous. This vehicle has been in the personal collection of a serious collector it has always been garage kept and meticulously maintained. As shown in the pictures the finish produces a mirror quality shine. We have recently detailed the vehicle to the highest standards.
If you have been on a search for the best of the best in Grand Nationals then you may have just found it. This vehicle has not been modified and is all original, this GN is a perfect candidate for Concours or more sporty activities if you desire. With a few modifications these Grand Nationals rule the drag strip and nothing is comparable. So many of these cars have been customized for the Drag track that to find one that's untouched is extremely rare. Anyone who has looked for an original GN knows how difficult they are to find. This is a rare oprotunity to own a beautiful GN with very low miles.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us or call toll free at 1-888-308-8023, David can be reached at 1-619-247-8341 anytime. We welcome a personal or a third party inspection of this vehicle at anytime during the 10 day auction.
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=140
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
Introduced in 1984 over 20 years ago the Grand National is still considered America's Modern Muscle car. In 1986 Buick added a intercooler to their turbo Regal line up boosting horsepower to 235 with 330 lbs of torque. The Grand National was a special edition constructed with an all black appearance. This look held virtually no chrome or brightwork and was completed with air dam and spoiler. This body style with the all blacked out look made the GN very desirable and with the performance you were getting many people preferred these Buicks over any Euro sports car. This is an extremely rare T-Top model. T-Tops were offered one year only and of the 5,512 only a small handfull of T-Top GN's were built.
This is a numbers matching vehicle the engine is the famous 3.8 litre with original intercooler and turbo. This power plant was capable of 0-60 in less than 7 seconds and would run the 1/4 mile in 14 sec. This vehicle has 11,495 original miles since new and has all its original factory equipment. The motor runs strong and trans shifts like new. Equipped with Grand Touring suspension which included a rear stabilizer bar, larger Diameter front Stabilizer bar, higher rate springs and shocks, the rear axle ratio was 3.42:1. Simply stated without all the technical spec numbers this one quick car.
The interior is original and look's brand new. Everything works including AC, boost gauges, Power windows and the vehicle was upgraded with a superior sound system. The T-tops fit perfect and include the storage bags.
The exterior of this vehicle is black and gorgeous. This vehicle has been in the personal collection of a serious collector it has always been garage kept and meticulously maintained. As shown in the pictures the finish produces a mirror quality shine. We have recently detailed the vehicle to the highest standards.
If you have been on a search for the best of the best in Grand Nationals then you may have just found it. This vehicle has not been modified and is all original, this GN is a perfect candidate for Concours or more sporty activities if you desire. With a few modifications these Grand Nationals rule the drag strip and nothing is comparable. So many of these cars have been customized for the Drag track that to find one that's untouched is extremely rare. Anyone who has looked for an original GN knows how difficult they are to find. This is a rare oprotunity to own a beautiful GN with very low miles.
If you have any questions please feel free to email us or call toll free at 1-888-308-8023, David can be reached at 1-619-247-8341 anytime. We welcome a personal or a third party inspection of this vehicle at anytime during the 10 day auction.
Link to ad: http://www.freecarsnetads.com/showproduct.php?product=140
www.SanDiegoAutoSwap.com
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